Main Obstacle to Agreement Is Opposition to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki

BAGHDAD—Iraq's parliament failed to agree on a new speaker during its second session on Sunday, prolonging a political impasse that has dashed hopes of reaching a resolution to the worst security crisis since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

U.S. diplomats and others have urged Iraqi politicians to reach a quick agreement over the three key government positions—the parliament speaker, president and prime minister—that are traditionally...

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